Everything has two handles. Grab the one you can carry.

The source

"Everything has two handles. Grab the one you can carry." Epictetus said it in Enchiridion 43. Translated by George Long, 1877.

"Everything has two handles, the one by which it may be borne, the other by which it may not"

George Long, 1877, Enchiridion 43.

Who said it

Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Born enslaved, became the most influential Stoic teacher of his age. His student Arrian wrote down the Discourses and the Enchiridion.

Questions

Who said "Everything has two handles. Grab the one you can carry."?

Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Source: Enchiridion 43.

What is the original wording?

Everything has two handles, the one by which it may be borne, the other by which it may not (George Long, 1877). Translated by George Long, 1877.

Is "Everything has two handles. Grab the one you can carry." on a shirt?

Yes. It is printed on our tees, from $46, with free US shipping.